Trent-Severn Waterway – Water Level Management Update – April 7, 2023
Weather
The five-day weather forecast predicts no significant precipitation, but air temperatures are expected to reach double digits and remain above zero overnight.
Outlook
With the onset of the snowmelt and the significant amount of rain received mid-week coupled with the warm temperatures in the forecast flows, water levels are expected to continue to increase at all locations as the impacts of the rain and melting snow work their way through the system. The Trent Severn Water Management team will be active, and the changing conditions will be closely monitored. Any watershed conditions updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district.
Ice on Shorelines
The temperature variations above the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline, which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The areas subject to the greatest impact are those facing the primary wind direction. In the event of strong wind conditions, the public should be aware of possible onshore ice movement leading to shoreline damage. The current forecast winds are moderate. With the warmer temperatures persisting into next week, ice out should continue.
Haliburton and Northern Areas
With the onset of the snowmelt and significant rain event, water levels and flows are rising rapidly in the northern areas. Snow amounts are still remaining in the most northern areas of the Gull and Burnt River systems. Most lakes on the Gull River and Burnt River systems remain below average but are rising due to the onset of the melt and recent rainfall event. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts. Most Central Lakes are rising due to snowmelt onset and are now above average for this time of the year due to significant precipitation received earlier in the week. Gull and Burnt River flows are above average and are anticipated to increase with increased runoff from the ongoing snowmelt.
Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River
Most Kawartha Lakes lake levels are above average due to the recent significant rain event and inflow from Haliburton areas. Lake Scugog levels are above full and above average. Levels on the Kawarthas are expected to rise due to sustained and high inflows from the Haliburton areas. Flows on the Otonabee River are above average for this time of year and will continue to increase.
Rice Lake and the Lower Trent
Water levels on Rice Lake and the Lower Trent are above average and are anticipated to increase due to increased inflows from local creeks, the Otonabee River, and the Crowe River.
Severn River
Lake Simcoe water levels are above average and are slowly increasing. Black River flows are above average and continue to increase. Water levels and flows are expected to increase everywhere on the Severn River. The levels on Lake Simcoe will continue to be monitored, and the balancing of the high water in the Severn River areas downstream of Washago will continue.